EemsEnergyTerminal at Eemshaven from good to better
Challenge
The LNG terminal in Eemshaven was realized in a time frame of only six months, exceptionally fast. This is inspiring but also offered room for further optimization. In short: how do we go from good to better?
Results
The goal was Stable Operational Excellence – stable processes with a focus on efficiency, quality and continuity. The improvements brought more structure, optimized processes, clear work instructions, clear roles and better IT systems. Always with the starting point: customer, environment, terminal and ourselves.
Customer
EemsEnergyTerminal in Eemshaven is a floating LNG terminal, necessary for energy security and to reduce dependence on Russian natural gas. EemsEnergyTerminal is a subsidiary of Gasunie and Vopak.
In brief
The LNG terminal opened in September 2022, and was realized in a time frame of about six months. This is short, so there was room for improvement. nlmtd was asked to make that improvement. Using Business Process Modeling in combination with workshops and validation sessions, a start was made on creating a future-proof organization.
A stable foundation in our processes is essential. In doing so, we not only build reliability and efficiency today, but also create the basis for a sustainable future.
The LNG terminal at Eemshaven
Facts & figures
The LNG terminal in Eemshaven is a facility where Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is imported, stored and regasified. This is done, before the gas enters the Dutch and European gas network. This is necessary for energy security in the Netherlands and Western Europe, and helps reduce dependence on Russian gas.
- Opened in September 2022 in response to the energy crisis and reduced gas supplies from Russia.
- Has a capacity of 8 billion cubic meters of gas per year (about 25% of the Netherlands’ gas needs).
From 1 to 600 liters
The terminal consists of two floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs). From an LNG carrier, the liquid LNG is pumped to these floating units (FSRUs). Then the LNG, which has a temperature of -162 °C to allow it to be transported as a liquid, is reheated, increasing its volume from 1 liter of liquid LNG to about 600 liters of gaseous gas. The LNG is thus delivered in gaseous form to the Dutch gas transport network, where it is traded by market participants. Through this terminal implementation, based on FSRUs, Gasunie has realized an LNG import terminal in a short period of time.
Challenge
The LNG terminal opened in September 2022, realized in a time frame of about 6 months. The short time frame is unique, inspiring; but at the same time, there is always room for improvement. By comparison, other energy projects take between 3 and 5 years. To realize improvements, nlmtd has been brought in in the form of Daphne Schipper, together with the EemsEnergyTerminalTeam. The goal is Stable Operational Excellence. In other words, stable execution of business processes, focused on efficiency, quality and continuity.
Deepdive in the process
To achieve a stable operation, Business Process Modeling was started in combination with workshops and validation sessions. Thus, business processes were visually mapped and opportunities for optimization were displayed. Design Thinking was used to search for people-oriented and creative methods to solve possible problems and stimulate innovation. From the insights obtained, a targeted plan of action was drawn up with clear deadlines, team meetings and oranges with smiley faces: after all, with a smile you achieve even better results.
Results
After the study, work began on implementing improvements. This resulted in more structure, optimized processes, valuable documents and clear work instructions. In addition, roles and responsibilities have been better mapped out and IT systems have been greatly improved. Always with the starting point: the customer, the environment, the terminal and ourselves.
The stable foundation is crucial for a green future
Next steps
Currently, the LNG terminal is used to import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and convert it into gaseous natural gas for distribution in the national gas network. Gasunie and vopak are currently investigating the extension of the EemsEnergyTerminal. They are also jointly investigating the possibilities of realizing a hydrogen import terminal and the development of a CO2 transport hub at Eemshaven. The terminal remains crucial. And that is why we have gone from good, to better.
Conclusion
With pride, Daphne and the EemsEnergyTerminal team look back on the first improvements and forward with equal ambition. The first milestones have been reached, and in 2025 we will take the next step towards a future-proof terminal!
Want to know more? We worked on this!
